MAORIS IN NORTHLAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25372, 2 November 1943, Page 2

MAORIS IN NORTHLAND

MENACE OF TUBERCULOSIS NEEP FOR IMPROVED LIVING CONDITIONS (P.A.) WHANGAREI. Nov. 1. Considering that, the high incidence of tuberculosis amongst the Maori race in Northland is largely attributable to ;hc social life of the Natives and their living conditions, a conference of northern hospital boards* held at Kaikohe on Saturday decided that the Government should be requested to take greater steps to combat the menace which was developing in every Native village. A representative of the teachers of the Native schools said that the problem resolved itself into one of food, clothing, and shelter. After the matter had been thoroughly discussed the following resolution was carried: “That this meeting views with alarm the present housing, food, and general living condition? of the Natives in Northland. It urges that the Departments of Native Affairs. Health, Works, Social Security, and Education should act together in an effort to improve these conditions. The Works Department should erect dwellings suitable for the Natives on the advice of the Health Department and the Native school teachers, and similarly the Social Security Department should have power to see that family allowances are spent in an efficient manner. Here again the Native school teachers could be of assistance.”